From the editor’s desk

Published: Monday, March 18, 2013 2:44 p.m. CST

Corned beef, cabbage and green beer were the specialties of the weekend, as St. Patrick’s Day came and went in Bureau County. I saw several area restaurants who were celebrating this fun holiday with a myriad of Irish cuisine. On Facebook, there were countless posts about St. Patrick’s Day, corned beef and cabbage, and of course, that famous green beer that is served every year. Hope you had a great St. Patrick’s Day!

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Mark your calendars! Tuesday, March 26 — one week from today — the Bureau County Republican will host two candidates forums, to help you cast your ballots in the April 9 election.

• At 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, the BCR, along with the Princeton Chamber of Commerce, will hold a Princeton City Commissioner Candidates Forum at the Bureau County Metro Center in Princeton. The event begins with a light breakfast at 7:30 a.m., followed by the forum, which will include the four candidates running for two open seats. Candidates are (in alphabetical order) Paul Breseman, Ray Mabry, Terry Madsen and Bob Warren.

• At 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, the BCR will host an event for Spring Valley aldermen candidates and Spring Valley mayoral candidates at John F. Kennedy School in Spring Valley. The 13 alderman candidates running for the four open seats will each have a five-minute opportunity to tell voters about themselves and why they want to be the city’s aldermen. We will also conduct a forum for the three mayoral candidates, where they will answer questions posed by the BCR, and give opening and closing remarks. The three mayoral candidates are (in alphabetical order) Cliff Banks, Walter Marini and John “Jack” Narczewski.

As always, both of our events are free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

These forums will give voters a great opportunity to get to know their candidates, learn what they stand for and have a chance to speak with their candidates personally after the event. Any questions? Give me a call at 815-875-4461, ext. 229. I look forward to seeing you there.

Just a reminder to the candidates: Your questionnaires are due March 20 — that’s Wednesday. Let me know if you can’t make your deadline.

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Customer Service Kudos: Do you know an individual or business who delivers great customer service? If so, send me an email at tsimon@bcrnews.com. Following are the Kudos I’ve recently received:

• Nell says, “Kudos to a great neighbor, Joe Bell, for snowblowing the whole block.”

• Marian says, “I always feel special when I go to Beetz Me in Princeton. Everybody is so gracious, and it makes me want to go back. You folks in Princeton are all so nice. Somebody taught you very well.”

Thought for the day: “Don’t forget to pray today because after all, God didn’t forget to wake you up today.” Anonymous.

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Checkered Flag Challenge: Do you enjoy racing? Then you’ll want to participate in our Checkered Flag Challenge, where you can win great prizes like gift certificates to local merchants. The grand prize is a weekend package to Michigan International Speedway. Join in the fun on our website. Find the “Contest” link and look for Checkered Flag Challenge.

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Our sister newspaper, Sauk Valley Media in Sterling, is finishing up the final printing touches on our spring magazine, Illinois Valley Living. I’ve had several folks call me, wondering when it will be out. It won’t be long now.

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I love spring and all it represents. It’s difficult to believe Palm Sunday is this weekend. Wow! Take time for you and those you love. And remember ... you are important to me and the BCR.